Halloween Safety Tips

It is nearly Halloween time which means trick-or-treating! If you or your child are wearing braces, choosing Halloween treats to enjoy will be a little more complicated as some candy can bend wires or even break brackets. To ensure this holiday is less trick and more treat, use the below guidelines to find candy that will not damage your braces.

Braces-Friendly Candy Options

Chocolate is a great option for those bearing braces! Soft chocolate treats like Hershey’s bars, Dove chocolate, M&M’s, Hershey’s kisses, York Mints, Kit Kats, 3 Musketeers bars and Nestles Crunch can all be enjoyed without worrying about broken brackets. Peanut butter is also a safe option with candies like peanut butter cups or Reese’s Pieces. Soft baked goods like cookies or cupcakes are always ok as long as they do not contain nuts.

Candy to Avoid with Braces

Any candy that is hard, sticky, or sour could potentially damage your braces or get stuck in between braces and cause serious damage to teeth and gums. This includes Skittles, gummies, licorice, taffy, Starbursts, Tootsie Rolls, lollipops, jelly beans, bubble gum, and anything with caramel or any hard candies. It is important to remember that popcorn, even plain, can get stuck in braces or even break them. Be careful with candy that may have nuts or caramel inside them and when it doubt, err on the side of caution.

Last Tips

No matter the time of year, making sure your teeth are being properly brushed and flossed while wearing braces is of utmost importance. Sugar and dyes in food, candy and drinks can sit between teeth or under braces and cause cavities as well as discoloration. To fully partake in the Halloween festivities without needing an extra trip to the orthodontist, be mindful of the candy you eat and brush well after enjoying your treats!